F.d.U./B.d.U.'S War Log

16 - 31 May 1942

PG30307b

     
     
 
16.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - DF 49
U 126
- DS 66
U 352
- Op(DC)
U 569
- AK 71
 
68
 - BF 49
128
 - DS 65
402
 - CF 21
576
 - BF 68
 
69
 - Op(ED)
130
 - DP 47
404
 - BD 43
578
 - BD 43
 
86
 - BC 56
135
 - CB 61
406
 - AK 78
582
 - BD 44
 
89
 - AN 35
136
 - BE 75
432
 - CB 35
584
 - BF 60
 
94
 - BD 12
155
 - Op(EE)
437
 - BF 85
588
 - BB 77
 
96
 - AK 78
156
 - EE 65-Op
455
 - CA 54-Op
590
 - AK 75
 
98
 - Op(DB)
158
 - CD 94
502
 - Op(EC)
593
 - CA 58-Op
 
103
 - Op(DM)
159
 - BF 49
504
 - CD 78
594
 - Op(DN)
 
106
 - Op(DM)
161
 - DS 64
506
 - DA 94-Op
653
 - CB 53
 
107
 - Op(CA)
162
 - Op(EO)
507
 - DL 23
654
 - BA 44
 
108
 - Op(DN)
172
 - BE 92
553
 - BE 14
751
 - Op(DB)
 
109
 - CE 79
201
 - BD 77
558
 - DC 58
752
 - BD 98
 
124
 - AK 74
213
 - BA 99
564
 - Op(DB)
753
 - DC 59
 
125
 - Op(DL)
333
 - CB 68
566
 - Op(CA)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 576 - 437 - 584 - 654 - 136 - 402 - 752 - 201 - 582 - 86 - 333 - 109 - 66 - 507.
  Sailed:  U 116 - 123 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 576 - St. Nazaire;  U 584 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) Situation Reports:
    U 162:  Nothing in the main harbor and roads of Barbados Island.  Lights out.  North half of the island has lights as in peacetime.
    U 108:  13.5 DN 5214 double spread by day at an escorted steamer.  Possibly 1 hit.  Suspected surface-runner.  D/C's after firing torpedoes.  Starting return passage.
    U 130:  Have been in DO 26, DD 80-70 and DC 90 since 9.5.  No traffic.  Suspect traffic has been diverted westwards from the open sea area with air patrol from the Bahamas and Antilles.  Starting return passage.
    U 135:  Sank freighter Type "Perseus", 10,000 BRT, course north CB 5156.
    U 98:  Nothing seen in DB 69-66-63.  Starting return passage because of provisions and fuel.
    U 103:  Nothing seen from Caicos to EB 25.  In EB 1930 sank American SS "Ruthlykes" (2,612 BRT) by gunfire.  Course 3300.
    U 566:  16.5 DA 9521 double miss at tanker "Daylight", hit forward on older type 8,000 ton tanker.  Little effect.  Sank modern tanker of 9,000 BRT.  All tankers course W.  17.5 DA 9561 sank loaded tanker of 7,000 BRT.  Course 1100.
    U 155:  Boat lay off Port of Spain for 4 days.  During the first days heavy outward and inward-bound traffic along
       
- 69 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    the routes to Mona, Barbados and Testigos.  Last days no traffic day or night.  Strong, but careless air patrol.  No methodical sea patrol.  No lights.  Sunk:  fast freighter of 5,000 BRT.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  ED 9813 - BB 1793 - BB 1474 - DB 5960 - CA 3264 - CB 5272 - DM 1950.
    U-boat attack in DA 92.  SSS in DN 86, a/c sighted U-boat in BF 9716 and AM 55/58 (not one of ours).
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 103 has been ordered to operate in the sea area off New Orleans.  U 125 (operations area till now Yucatan Straits) has been given freedom of action to the N.  U 106 same operations area as U 103.
    U 432 is operating in the sea area north of 410 and west of 610.
  c) 1) U 437's special operation is completed.  Boat is putting into St. Nazaire.
    2) U 126 and 128 will meet at 2030 in DS 6961 to deliver spheres for compasses.
    3) U 213 reports special operation carried out (landing an agent).
  d)  U 68 requests to put into a Spanish port to repair exhaust conduit.  After consultation with Berlin, boat has been ordered to approach El Ferrol between 0700 and 0800, report a case of distress at sea and try to sail again within 24 hours.
    With immediate effect attack without warning is permitted on all recognizably armed ships of S. American states including Mexico and excluding the Argentine and Chile.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 507  freighter 10,000 BRT sunk
        103      "             2,612 BRT sunk
        506  tanker 8,000 BRT 1 hit
        506  2 tankers 16,000 BRT sunk
        155  - freighter 5,000 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
 
 
- 70 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
17.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DF 56
U 124
- AK 74
U 213
- BA 90
U 564
- Op(DB)
 
68
 - BF 79
125
 - Op(DL)
333
 - CC 48
566
 - Op(CA)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - DS 95
352
 - Op(DC)
569
 - AK 71
 
86
 - BC 65
128
 - DS 95
402
 - BE 88
578
 - BC 66
 
89
 - AN 23
130
 - DC 91
404
 - BD 41
582
 - BD 54
 
94
 - BD 12
135
 - CB 51
406
 - AK 78
588
 - Op(BB 70)
 
96
 - AK 78
136
 - BE 65
432
 - Op(BB)
590
 - AK 75
 
98
 - DC 41
155
 - ED 98-Op
437
 - BF 58
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - EB 12-Op
156
 - Op(EE)
455
 - Op(CA)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
106
 - DM 29
158
 - CD 87
502
 - Op(EC)
653
 - CB 57
 
107
 - Op(CA)
159
 - BE 47
504
 - DE 31
654
 - BF 55
 
108
 - DD 78
161
 - DS 94
506
 - DA 94-Op
751
 - Op(DC)
 
109
 - CB 86
162
 - EO 13-Op
507
 - DL 36
752
 - BE 77
 
116
 - BF 58
172
 - BE 86
553
 - Op(BB)
753
 - DC 81
 
123
 - BF 58
201
 - BE 94
558
 - Op(DN)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 437 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 66 - 582.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 162 has sunk motor vessel "Belt" (6,852 BRT) in EE 7338.  Is proceeding to EE 30, with one air-driven torpedo left.  Thinks that a check of the routes in EE 30-60-70 and EO 10 by 2-3 boats would be worth while.
    U 653 sank a freighter (4,500 BRT) in CB 7230.  Course 100.  Saw a freighter on a course of 100 in the same position.
    U 107 saw nothing on outward passage via DC 2287 and in CA 8440 and 7600, except a Coast Guard cruiser with 2 patrol vessels in CA 7637.  Submerged by day.
    U 156 sank "Barrdale" (5,072 BRT) in EE 63, course 1650 with a/c and mixed cargo from New York to Basra.
    U 507 sighted 3 steamers course E. in DM 1893, one on course W.  Boat was later hunted with D/C's and forced under water by a/c until dark.
    U 155 sank a large full tanker with 2 masts course E, left "Challenger" (7,667 BRT) in a sinking condition in ED 9576 after 2 torpedo hits.  Boat intends to operate on the tanker route along the N. coast of Venezuela during the full moon period.  In reply to query, has been ordered to observe the 3 mile limit.
     Port of Spain suitable for mining operations, as mine hits would be thought to be torpedo hits.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sighting in CA 84 - ED 91 - DC 11 - ED 9193.
    SSS from "Fort Binger" (5,250 BRT) in BA 9974.
  d)  None.
       
- 71 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  Group Hecht has been ordered to move off at 1200/18/5 and to be in the position line of square BC 1891 to 5479 at 1200/22/5 in the same order.  Day's run about 120 sea miles.  The reconnaissance line will comb the route of the homeward bound convoys.
     As soon as the position line is reached the course of the reconnaissance will be altered more to the south by a new position line in CC 40, where boats are to supply later on, and will lead through the route of the outward bound convoys.
  b)  U 213 has been allocated the same operations area as U 432, i.e. N. of 410 and W. of 610.
  c)  None.
  d)  Naval Attache reports that U 68 entered El Ferrol at 1000 and left again at 2100.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 162  motor vessel 6,852 BRT sunk
        653  freighter 4,500         "        "
        156          "       5,072          "       "
        155  2 ships 15,667            "       "
       
VI. General:
  1) Attacking conditions on the N. coast of America from Cape Fear to New York have been extremely unfavorable since 20.4.  Boats which are lying immediately under the coast and off the main ports report no traffic.  It appears as if the traffic has temporarily ceased or has been so re-organized that so far the boats have not been able to pick it up.  A complete cessation, even for a short time, is unthinkable, as America could not stand the loss.  Most of the sinkings this month have been in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits.
  2) Sinkings will be less in June than in May, because of the fewer boats at sea.  In May actually the majority of front-line boats were at sea, owing to good dockyard conditions (altogether about 70-80% instead of the usual 55%).  Now the lack of the boats, detached to the Norway area and of those whose front-line operation has been delayed by ice conditions in the Baltic, is making itself felt.  The variations in numbers of boats at sea will not improve until the steady reinforcement of 18-20 boats from home has set in.
       
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18.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DF 38
U 124
- AK 74
U 213
- Op(CB)
U 564
 - Op(DM)
 
68
 - BF 79
125
 - Op(DL)
333
 - CD 61
566
 - Op(CA)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - EH 35
352
 - Op(DC)
569
 - AK 71
 
86
 - BD 78
128
 - EH 34
402
 - BF 73
578
 - BC 64
 
89
 - AF 77
130
 - DD 44
404
 - BC 61
582
 - BD 56
 
94
 - BD 12
135
 - CB 44
406
 - AK 78
588
 - Op(BB)
 
96
 - AK 78
136
 - BF 73
432
 - Op(CB)
590
 - AK 75
     
 
- 72 -
  
     

 

     
     
 
 
 
 
98
 - DC 27
155
 - Op(EE)
437
 - BF 60
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(Golf)
156
 - EE 66-Op
455
 - Op(CA)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
106
 - Op(DM)
158
 - DF 11
502
 - Op(EC)
653
 - CB 72
 
107
 - CA 73-Op
159
 - BE 87
504
 - DF 24
654
 - v. Lorient
 
108
 - DD 81
161
 - EH 26
506
 - Op(Golf)
751
 - Op(DC)
 
109
 - CB 98
162
 - EE 73-Op
507
 - DM 28
752
 - BE 92
 
116
 - BF 49
172
 - BE 87
553
 - Op(CA)
753
 - DM 26-Op
 
123
 - BF 44
201
 - BF 73
558
 - Op(DN)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 136 - 201 - 654 - 66 - 582 - 437.
  Sailed:  U 157 - Lorient;  U 134 - 153 - 214 - Kiel.
  Entered Port:  U 437 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) Situation Reports:
    U 588 sank a freighter (7,000 BRT) escorted by a flying boat on 17.5 in BA 98, course 850.  17.5 double miss at "Fort Binger" in BA 99, course 2650 (probably a pistol failure, as steamer reported being torpedoed).  Got away in bad visibility after a gun action.
    U 566:  Medium single-ship traffic from Boston to Cape Sable.  17.5 double miss at small freighter in CB 1145.  Impact heard.  (Pistol failure).  Much fog.
    U 125:  Since 17.5 again heavy traffic in the Yucatan Straits in both directions.  Little sea and air patrol.  On the E. coast of Yucatan medium small coastal steamer traffic.
     Sunk:  15.5 DM 8727 "Cayuga" (2,196 BRT), course 700.  18.5 DM 9633 loaded tanker of 9,000 BRT, course 1350.  18.5 DM 7466 "William J. Salman" (2,618 BRT), course 1350.  Total:  9 steamers totaling 44,993 BRT.  Starting return passage.
    U 455:  12.5 heard 2 steamers in fog in CA 65.  No traffic in CA 5160 via 5430 from 15-18th.  Little patrol; air patrol.  18.5 four-fan at passenger freighter (12,000 BRT) escorted by 2 a/c in CA 5479, course 200.  One loud explosion heard.
    U 502 reports convoy of 2 tankers, 1 freighter, 1 Dutch destroyer in EC 9664, course 1400, 10 knots.  Situation:  11.5 DP 46 sank "Cape of Good Hope" (4,963 BRT), carrying armored cars, a/c fuselages, mines and ammunition.  From New York to Capetown.  Nothing seen as far as Curacao.  No traffic at night, by day only convoy reported seen.  Suspects E-bound traffic under the coast.
  b)  None.
  c)  Sightings in DA 92 - CA 79 - CA 8447 - CA 7288 - DM 23 - DM 26 - CA 49 - DB 91.
     Torpedoings:  "San Ellisec" (8,042 BRT) in EE 8310.
       
- 73 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    "Ben Lawers" (5,943 BRT) in EE 56.  Brazil.  Ship in FC 4975 (Italian).  U-boat warning for ED 11.  (X) American S/M S-20 will be in BA 9822 on 19.5 speed 8 knots, course unknown (U 566 will operate against her).
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) U 753 has a new attack area in DA 90.  Supply is intended.  
    U 502 has freedom of action to the E. if own traffic situation is unfavorable.
    U 156 has been ordered to Martinique.  Operation:
    1) Attack on American patrol forces.
    2) Reconnaissance of harbors and anchorages.
    3) Destruction of French warships and merchant vessels putting to sea so that they won't fall into French hands.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 588  1 freighter 7,000 BRT sunk
        125  3 ships 13,814 BRT sunk
        502  1 ship 4,963 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
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19.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- DG 22
U 125
- DM 72
U 201
- BF 55
U 564
- Op(DB)
 
68
 - CG 15
126
 - EH 64
213
 - Op(CB-BB)
566
 - Op(CA 22)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
128
 - EH 56
214
 - AO
569
 - AJ 95
 
86
 - BD 88
130
 - DD 54
333
 - CE 17
578
 - BC 23
 
89
 - AM 26
134
 - AO
352
 - Op(DC)
582
 - BE 44
 
94
 - BC 36
135
 - CA 65
402
 - BF 67
588
 - Op(BA 99)
 
96
 - BC 32
136
 - BF 67
404
 - BC 55
590
 - AJ 99
 
98
 - DC 31
153
 - AO
406
 - BC 33
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(EB)
155
 - Op(EE)
432
 - Op(CB)
594
 - Op(DN)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
156
 - Op(EE)
455
 - Op(CA 54)
653
 - CA 69
 
107
 - Op(CA)
157
 - BF 57
502
 - Op(EC 92)
654
 - Op(DN)
 
108
 - DD 67
158
 - DE 51
504
 - DE 18
751
 - CA 69
 
109
 - CB 68
159
 - CF 12
506
 - Op(Golf)
752
 - BF 48
 
116
 - BE 69
161
 - EH 55
507
 - DM 33
753
 - DM 19
 
123
 - BE 31
162
 - Op(EO)
553
 - Op(BB)
   
 
124
 - AJ 99
172
 - CE 21
558
 - Op(DN)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 125 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 752 - 402 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 136 - 201 - 66 - 582 - 654.
  Sailed:  U 701 - Brest;  U 373 - 87 - St. Nazaire.
  Entered Port:  U 654 - Brest.
       
- 74 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 86 sighted a 2 funneled steamer in 8519, course 3300, high speed.
    U 156 sank "Quaker City" (4,961 BRT) in EE 62, course 3100.  4 hits scored on tanker in EE 5647.  Still proceeding at 7 knots.
    U 106 has been close under land from Charleston to Key West since 12.5.  Traffic completely stopped.  Entrance to Palm Beach and Miami patrolled.  Proceeding to DA 90.
    U 753 reports a convoy of 24 steamers, escorted by air and sea, DM 2843, course W.  Boat driven off by a/c.  Last position DM 2769.  Course 2500, 8 knots.
    U 107 saw nothing in CA 8721 via 8181 to 7366.  Freedom of action to the south.
    U 564 situation:  Single-ship traffic in the Florida Straits at the beginning of May.  N and S close under the west coast.  After the appearance of U-boats, spasmodically in groups.  14.5 4 ships, 1 destroyer in DM 2682 N-bound.  Traffic stopped for 4 days.  18.5 14 ships 4 destroyers DB 9874 via DM 2682 to the west.
    Opposition:  Medium sea patrol, good hydrophones, no Asdic.  Strong air patrol.
    U 588 sank "Towa" (5,419 BRT), course 500, in DN 5825.  Making for DL 60.
  b) None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  DA 9688 - DC 1119 - DN 8456 - CA 9525 - ED 9582 - BB 74.
    "Commandate Lyra" (5,052 BRT) torpedoed in ER 79 (Italian).
    Attack report:  CA 9525.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 588 - 594 new operations area Yucatan Straits.  Supply intended.  U 653 - 135 freedom of action in CA, concentrating under the coast.
  c) None.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 156  1 ship 4,961 BRT sunk
        156  tanker 4 hits
        558  ship 5,419 BRT sunk.
       
- 75 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
VI. General:
          3 type VII boats are sailing today for the east coast of the U.S. for a mining operation:  U 87 to the entrance to New York, U 373 to the entrance to Delaware Bay, U 701 to the entrance to Chesapeake Bay.
          When the U.S. entered the war the question of whether and where mine-laying would be possible on the U.S. coast was considered and it was seen that along the whole coast from Fire Island light ship (E. of New York) to Cape Canaveral there are two strips, divided by a channel of water depth 35-50 meters, which are suitable for mining:  a 10 to, in places, 40 mile wide strip immediately along the coast for ground mines and another, remote one, parallel to the inner strip, of strongly varying breadth, for SMA's (S/M-laid shaft mines).  Practically all the large ports on the U.S. E. coast are in this sector of the coast, so that a mining operation here is not only possible, but also promises good results.
          After the first mine-laying U-boats (for SMA) were ready, operational use of SMA's was forbidden, so that only TM's (torpedo tube mines) could be considered.  So far these have not been used.  As it was more worth while to use the normal (torpedo) U-boats as torpedo carriers.  Now that individual boats, especially off the coast north of Hatteras, have little success, while a far greater number of U-boats have been operating off and south of Hatteras with great success, it seems reasonable to attack enemy traffic in the north coastal sector as well.  Even a few mines laid immediately off the busy entrances to New York (Delaware Bay, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk) are likely to lead to success, as mine-countermeasures are sure to be few, and will also cause a splitting-up of enemy forces which in some cases will help the torpedo U-boats.
          Subsequent torpedo operations in these areas will not be prejudiced, firstly because the mines are to be laid in shallow water immediately off the entrances, where torpedo attacks are unlikely, and secondly because mines become inactive after 2 months.
       
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Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
12. May 1942
Reg. No. Most Secret     1927     A2
       
       
Most Secret !
_______________________
Copy No. ___5___
Mine-laying order "New York"
for U 87
_______________________
       
     
MS note: Later Naval War Staff (1st Div.) would not approve this, as diplomatic ships were still sailing.  "Boston" was the alternative.
       
I. a) "Ambrose Place" is to be extensively fouled with mines.  If this is not possible "Alternative Ambrose Place" is to be fouled.  If, after repeated efforts, even this latter cannot be done, fouling is to be done in "New York Outer Place" (see diagram).
 
 
- 76 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
  b) Enemy traffic is to be observed before the mines are laid, so that, within the area ordered, they can be laid at points where greatest success can be expected.  If it is not possible to observe the traffic, or if such observation does not yield any clues, aim at fouling the area around Ambrose Lightship and south of this.
  c) In all circumstances the Captain is to do his utmost to lay the mines as far inshore as possible, where they are most likely to be effective i.e. in "Ambrose Place".  The alternative or outer area is only to be fouled when all attempts to lay in the area further inshore have failed and further attempts appear useless.
       
II. a) "Ambrose Place" lies within the following points:
     
400 27' N 730  55' W   400 30' N 730  49' W
400 28' N 730  45' W   400 23' N 730  54' W
  b) The boundaries of "Alternative Ambrose Place" are E and S the circumference of a circle having its center off light and bell buoy 2A (400 30' N    730  56' W), NW a line from Long Beach off 730  41' W    and a point on the coast from New Jersey off 400 23' N.
  c) "New York Outer Place" lies within the circumferences of circles and 22 sea miles from light and bell buoy 2A.
       
III.  Material:  10 TMC, time setting 60 days, delay clockwork 2 days, sensitivity 10 milliorsteds, to fire at first crossing, 5 mines with "BIK rot" (magnetic firing unit, south polarity), 5 mines with BIK blau (magnetic firing unit with North polarity).  Mines should be laid at a depth of 20-30 meters, minimum distance apart 1000 meters.
       
IV. a) Chart D 455 is to be taken.
  b) See Standing War Order 492, para 2.
       
V.  A report is to be made as soon as possible after laying, but from at least 50 sea miles away from the place of laying, by short signal.  The following groups to be used:
  LTIQ    =  "Ambrose Place" fouled
  LTGO:  =  "Alternative Ambrose Place" fouled
  LTJR    =   "New York Outer Place" fouled.
       
       
                                                                (signed):  JODL
                                                            Chief of Operations Department
                                                                    for B.d.U.
       
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Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
12. May 1942
Reg. No. Most Secret     1926     A2
       
       
Most Secret !
_______________________
Copy No. ___5___
Mine-laying order "Overfalls"
for U 373
_______________________
       
I. a) "Overfalls Place" is to be extensively fouled by mines.
 
 
- 77 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
    If this is not possible "Alternative Overfalls Place" is to be fouled.  If, after repeated efforts, even this latter cannot be done, fouling is to be done in "Delaware Outer Place".  (see diagram).
  b) (See page 16 I b).
  c) (See page 16 I c. for "Ambrose Place" read "Overfalls Place".)
       
II. a) "Overfalls Place" lies within the points:
     
380 45' N 750  02' W   380 48' N 740  57' W
380 45' N 740  53' W   380 42' N 740  59' W
  b) "Alternative Overfalls Place" is bounded:  In the NW and N by a line from Rehoboth through a point 380 51' N    740  52.3' W to a point 380 51' N    740  47' W, in the E and S by the circumference of a circle of 15 sea miles diameter, having as its center Cape Henlope (380 47.8' N    750  05.5' W).
  c) "Outer Delaware Place" lies between the circumferences of circles of 15 and 23 sea miles diameter around Cape Henlope.  The N. limit is latitude 380 51' N.
       
III.  Material:  15 TMB, time setting 60 days, delay clockwork 2 days, sensitivity 20 milliorsteds, to fire at first crossing, about half the mines with "BIK rot", the rest with "BIK blau".
  Mines should be laid at depth of 15-22 meters.  Minimum distance apart 1000 meters.
       
IV. Chart D 457 is to be taken. See Standing War Order 491, para. 3.
       
V.  (See page 18 V.  For "Ambrose Place" read "Overfalls Place" for New York Outer Place" read "Alternative Delaware Place".)
       
       
                                                                (signed):  JODL
                                                            Chief of Operations Department
                                                                    for B.d.U.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
12. May 1942
Reg. No. Most Secret     1925     A2
       
       
Most Secret !
_______________________
Copy No. ___5___
Mine-laying order "Chesapeake"
for U 701
_______________________
       
I. a) (See page 16 I a
    for "Ambrose Place" read "Alternative Chesapeake Place"
     for "New York Outer Place" read "Baltimore Outer Place".)
  b)  (See place 16 I b)
  c)  (See page 16 I c.  For "Ambrose Place" read "Chesapeake Place".)
 
 
- 78 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
II. a) "Chesapeake Place" lies within the following points:
     
360 53' N 750  56' W   360 57' N 750  51' W
360 55' N 750  45' W   360 48' N 750  53' W
  b) "Alternative Chesapeake Place" is bounded:  in the NW by a line joining the N. tip of Smith Island and a point on the coast 360 45' N, in the E. and S. by the circumference of a circle of 18 sea miles diameter around a point 370 N    760 W.
  c) "Baltimore Outer Place" lies within the circumferences of circles of 18 and 25 sea miles diameter around a point 370 N    760 W.
       
III.  Material:  15 TMB, time setting 60 days, delay clockwork 2 days, sensitivity 20 milliorsteds, to fire at first crossing, about half the mines with "BIK rot", the remainder "BIK blau".
  Mines should be laid at depth of 12-20 meters.  Minimum distance apart 1000 meters.
       
IV. a) Charts D 464, D 458 are to be taken.
  b) See Standing War Order 491 paras. 16-18 and 492 para 6.
       
V.   (See page 18 V.  For "Ambrose Place" read "Chesapeake Place", for "Alternative Ambrose Place" read "Alternative Chesapeake Place", for "Outer New York Place" read "Outer Baltimore Place".)
       
       
                                                                (signed):  JODL
                                                            Chief of Operations Department
                                                                    for B.d.U.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
20.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - DG 34
U 124
- BC 23
U 172
- CE 14
U 558
- DN 84-Op
 
68
 - CF 38
125
 - DM 94
201
 - v. Lorient
564
 - DB 98
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - EH 86
213
 - CB 24-Op
566
 - Op(CA)
 
86
 - BD 94
128
 - EH 88
214
 - AO
569
 - AJ 89
 
87
 - BF 67
130
 - DD 61
333
 - CE 28
578
 - BC 76
 
89
 - AM 19
134
 - AO
352
 - Op(DC)
582
 - BE 54
 
94
 - BC 37
135
 - Op(CA)
373
 - BF 67
588
 - Op(BB)
 
96
 - BC 34
136
 - BF 60
404
 - BC 49
590
 - BC 23
 
98
 - CB 78
153
 - AO
406
 - BC 34
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(DL)
155
 - Op(EE)
402
 - BF 60
594
 - DC 18-Op
 
106
 - DM 42-Op
156
 - EE 46-Op
432
 - Op(CB)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - CA 81-Op
157
 - BF 73
455
 - Op(CA)
701
 - v. Lorient
 
108
 - DD 66
158
 - DE 44
502
 - Op(BC)
751
 - Op(BB)
 
109
 - CC 46
159
 - CE 34
506
 - Op(Golf)
752
 - BF 58
 
116
 - BE 82
161
 - EH 87
504
 - DD 63
753
 - DM 43-Op
 
123
 - AM 47
162
 - Op(EE)
507
 - DC 87      
             
553
 - Op(BB)      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 752 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 201 - 66 - 582 - 136 - 402.
  Sailed:  U 129 - 67 - Lorient.
  Entered Port:  U 136 - 402 - St. Nazaire.
       
- 79 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  Situation reports:
    Convoy No. 24:  see para. IVa.
    U 566:  20.5 sighted about 3 ships out of range, in CA 3293.  No traffic in CA 3512.  Boat thinks it useless to remain in the area because of frequent fog.  Proceeding to CA 50 and 60.
    U 103:  Sank "Ogontz" (5,028 BRT) on 19.5 in DL 6271, course 00.  21.5 DM 4748 "Clare" (3,372 BRT) and "Elizabeth" (4,727 BRT) course 1100 sunk.  20.5 heavy traffic in the Yucatan Straits around Antonic to 1600-1300.
    U 506:  Continued heavy single-ship traffic off Mississippi.  Would be worthwhile for more boats.  Constant air patrol.  No sea patrol seen.  Sunk:  19.5 DA 90 fast armed passenger freighter (type Mexico) at 25 meters of water.  20.5 DA 9553 loaded tanker of 8000 BRT, course 90 deg.  DA 9561 miss at 2 freighters on a westerly course.  No torpedoes left.  All torpedoes ran well.  Total:  8 ships totaling 52,700 BRT, sunk, 1 tanker damaged.
    U 108:  21.5 DD 6632 sank tanker "Norlys" (8-9,000 BRT) with last torpedo and gunfire.  18.5 DD 8614 chased a steamer course 3200, 18 knots in vain.
    U 582:  Reports a submarine with a surface vessel (not one of our own) in BE 6189.
    U 135:  Chased 2 fast tankers, course 320 deg., for 6 hours at full speed in vain in CA 5926.
    U 455:  Sighted a fast steamer, 260 deg., 20 knots in CA 6411.
    U 588:  Am in CB 17.  Constant fog in operations area south of Nova Scotia.  Protracted return passage.  Am hauling out to the south.
    U 98:  19.5 DC 3546 2 freighters, 1 Coast Guard cruiser, 1 patrol vessel, 1 S/M chaser, main course 105 deg., 11 knots.  Single shot at Coast Guard cruiser, tube-runner.  Double miss at freighter, of which 1 shot was a surface runner.  Subsequently forced by patrol vessel to submerge until dark.  A few DC's.
    U 553:  12.5 BB 1475 sank 2 freighters, together 11,000 BRT.  Torpedoed one 3,000-tonner.  Sinking can be assumed. Stood on and off from BB 1730 to BA 3670.  No traffic.  Submerged by day.  Very careful air patrol.  Sea patrol by a patrol boat type "Rayle".  Intend to operate in BB 75.
    U 158:  Sank "Carina"  (3,303 BRT) in DE 7227.
    U 155:  20.5 picked up large convoy off Testigos.  Driven off during night attack.  ED 9817 sank ship type "Macubs" (8,400 BRT) in a day attack by hydrophone data.  Torpedo fired at the second tanker probably failed.  19.5 double
       
- 80 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    miss at loaded freighter.  Subsequently sea and air reconnaissance.  Chased for 2 hours by a 4 funneled destroyer and patrol vessel.  Am going into EE 70 in the moon period.
    U 69 reports convoy in ED 9497, course for Trinidad.  Boat is on her way to Martinique, to operate there same as U 156.
    U 159 sighted enemy convoy No. 25 in CF 7385, course 180 deg., speed 8 knots.  Boat has received permission to attack if favorable occasion arises.  To continue on passage at first light and report position.  Large-scale operation not intended.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings: DB 9180, by a/c in AM 1769.  U-boat attack in CA 51, "Norland" in DE 4174.  SOS from S.S. "Elizabeth" (4,727 BRT) in DL 69.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 24:  U 406 sighted a convoy in BC 5321 at 1630, course west, 8 knots, about 10 ships.  Group Hecht was ordered to attack, as at least 2 boats of the Group must be in the immediate vicinity and the others can come up in at most 5 hours.  The shadower is not to attack until a second boat has arrived.
     U 96 reported at 1800 fog and visibility less than 100 meters.  This makes it very difficult to get the boats up to the convoy.  The shadower was therefore given leave to attack, so that at least such opportunities as there were would be made use of.  At 2053 U 406 reported that she had been forced to submerge by an a/c and a destroyer.  COnvoy's last position at 1847 in BC 5314, course 240 deg.  Convoy in a fog bank.  Group Hecht received orders to continue searching independently and if no contact was made, to break off searching in time to reach a new patrol line from BC 5144 to 5732 by 0900/21/5.  Encounter with a convoy bound for England is possible. If contact is made, to operate against it.  No further sighting reports were received by morning.
  b) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 103  3 ships 13,127 BRT sunk
        506  2 ships 13,200 BRT sunk
        108  tanker 8-9,000 BRT sunk
        553  2 freighters 11,000 BRT sunk
        553  1 freighter 3,000 BRT torpedoed
        158  1 ship 6,303 BRT sunk
        155  1 ship 8,400 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
 
 
- 81 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
21.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - CF 79
U 123
- AM 17
U 162
- Op(EO)
U 553
- Op(BB 14)
 
67
 - BF 55
124
 - BC 24
172
 - CD 37
558
 - DN 77
 
68
 - CF 28
125
 - DN 78
201
 - v. Brest
564
 - DC 75
 
69
 - ED 68-Op
126
 - ER 27
213
 - Op(CB)
566
 - Op(CA 32)
 
86
 - BE 74
128
 - ER 19
214
 - AN 34
569
 - BC 24
 
87
 - BF 73
129
 - BF 55
333
 - CE 35
578
 - BC 77
 
89
 - AM 47
130
 - DE 17
352
 - Op(DC)
582
 - BF 49
 
94
 - BC 53
134
 - AN 34
373
 - BF 49
588
 - CB 17
 
96
 - BC 54
135
 - Op(CA 59)
404
 - BB 93
590
 - BC 27
 
98
 - CB 73
153
 - AN 34
406
 - BC 52
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(DL 65)
155
 - ED 98
432
 - Op(CB)
594
 - DN 65
 
106
 - DL 62
156
 - Op(EE)
455
 - CA 64-Op
653
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - Op(DC)
157
 - BF 74
502
 - Op(EC)
701
 - BF 55
 
108
 - BE 41
158
 - DE 74
504
 - DD 56
751
 - Op(CA 79)
 
109
 - CC 29
159
 - CF 75
506
 - DB 77
752
 - BF 60
 
116
 - BE 74
161
 - ER 19
507
 - DC 67
753
 - DL 39
 
  On Return Passage:  U 89 - 588 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 335 - 108 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 66 - 582.
  Sailed:  U 408 - Kiel.
  Entered Port:  U 201 - Brest;  U 752 - St. Nazaire.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 107 requests EB 20 as attack area, if supply is possible.
    U 753 is proceeding via DM 18 to DA 92.  Requests supply.
    U 156 situation:  W. bays of Martinique from Precheur-Perle to roads of main harbor well darkened.  Nothing is to be distinguished.  In Fort de France:  "Bearn", 5 tankers, 3 passenger freighters.  Sank "Presidente Trugille" (1,600 BRT) 310 deg. off the entrance.  No U.S. ships seen.
    U 159 reports successes from convoy No. 25.  5 hits on 4 steamers.  3 steamers left sinking, fourth steamer probably sunk.  Total:  about 14-18,000 BRT.  D/C's.  Boat continuing on passage.
    U 172 sighted 2 independent ships in CE 5783.  Course SE.  Boat's intention has been called to ban on attacks in Route A.
    U 588 sank "Plow of Citty" (6,000 BRT) on 21.5 in CA 65.  Course Trinidad-New York.
    U 432 sank fishing vessel "Foam" (308 BRT) with gunfire on 17.5 in BB78.  Found nothing right up to the coast, except motor fishing vessels.  Radio beacons as in peacetime since 17.5.  High pressure weather conditions with constant fog.
    U 751:  no traffic CA 79 to DN 16.  Non traffic in Crooked Passage.  Little sea and air patrol.
       
- 82 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    Sunk:  16.5 freighter course N.  19.5 EC 13 freighter course 1100.  Total 10,000 BRT.  Intend to operate from the north coast of Venezuela eastwards.
  b) None.
  c) English a/c reported attacking a U-boat in AM 2771.  
    U-boat sightings:  DB 97 - CA 54 - CA 66.
    U-boat attack in CA 6641.
  d) Canadian and American Fleet Air Arm intends to carry out exercises with S/M's on 25.5.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) Convoy No. 24 has not been picked up again.  OPeration is being broken off.
  b) 1) U 107 has been ordered to proceed to operations area DM 70-80-90 via DM 60-DN 76.  Supply is intended.
    2) New attack areas:  U 751 operations area as reported. U 352 sea area around Hatteras, U 432 CB 45-54.  U 213 CB 47-49.  U 566 CA 93 - CB 72.  U 653 CA 95 - CB 74.  U 455 CA 97 - CA 99.  U 135 DC 22 - DC 31.  Boats will form Group Pfadfinder.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 159  3 ships sunk
        159  1 ship left sinking = 14-18,00 BRT.
        588  1 ship 6,000 BRT.
        432  1 ship 308 BRT.
        751  2 ships 10,000 BRT .
        156  1 ship 16,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:
            The impression that the traffic situation in the area N. of the Florida Straits (of 17.5) has altered has been further confirmed within the last few days.
  a)  Convoys, admittedly so far only a few small ones, have been observed off Cape Hatteras and along the route to the Bermuda Islands.
  b)  Hardly any traffic at all has been observed along the coast, and even off the ports and bays only a few single ships.
  c) Foreign press reports talk of a complete stoppage of traffic between North and South America, though this can hardly be considered possible.
            At all events recent efforts to find traffic in this area have met with no success. The newly set up group "Pfadfinder" (see IV b 2) is therefore intended to establish whether traffic from North American ports from and to Central and South America is sailing further out to sea.  Boats which have so far had little success off
 
 
- 83 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
  the coast of Nova Scotia on account of very frequent fog, have been used for this.
            It will not be possible to cover all routes leading from Trinidad to Halifax or from Pernambuco to Chesapeake Bay.  For this the group will if necessary have to be redistributes later on.
       
   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
22.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- CF 59
U 123
- AM 31
U 162
- Op(BE)
U 553
 - Op(BB)
 
67
 - BF 49
124
 - BC 57
172
 - CD 55
558
 - Op(DN)
 
68
 - CF 42
125
 - DN 81
213
 - CB 18
564
 - DC 57
 
69
 - Op(BD)
126
 - ER 57
214
 - AN 23
566
 - Op(CA)
 
86
 - BE 64
128
 - ER 49
333
 - CF 13
569
 - BC 54
 
87
 - BF 71
129
 - BF 45
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - CC 19
 
89
 - BE 31
130
 - CC 87
373
 - BF 47
582
 - BF 58
 
94
 - BC 81
134
 - AN 23
404
 - BB 97
588
 - CA 66
 
96
 - BC 57
135
 - Op (CA)
406
 - BC 81
590
 - BC 57
 
98
 - CB 58
153
 - AF 79
408
 - AO 72
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(DL)
155
 - Op(EE)
432
 - CB 15
594
 - Op(DN
 
106
 - DL 22
156
 - ED 65-Op
455
 - Op(CA)
653
 - CA-Op
 
107
 - DC 46
157
 - BE 98
502
 - Op(EC)
701
 - BF 49
 
108
 - DE 13
158
 - DD 94
504
 - DD 57
751
 - EC 75-Op
 
109
 - CD 17
159
 - CE 97
506
 - DL 35
753
 - Op(DL)
 
116
 - BD 86
161
 - ER 72
507
 - DC 63      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 89 - 588 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 66 - 582.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 588 reported firing at a tanker in EB 3819.  No torpedoes left, gun unserviceable.
    U 432 sank "Zurichmoor" (4,455 BRT) in CB 1928, course 1650.
    U 158 reported sinking "F.B. Baird" (1,276 BRT) by gunfire.  Cargo of bauxite for Canada.  Chased a freighter type "Talaboot", 1500, in vain.
    U 566 sighted a destroyer, course 700, 15 knots in CA 6614.
    U 69 reported her intention to dive in the S. sector of "Fort de France".  21.5 sank "Torondoc" (1,927 BRT) in ED 68, course 1100.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings:  DN 7660 - DA 91 - EB 3855 - DB 64 - DA 91.
     SSS from American "S.S. Wm. Boyce Thompson" (7,061 BRT) in EB 38.
       
- 84 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    English destroyer reported oil patch in BB 9395.
    A/c sighted U-boats in AF 7556 - AM 3192.  
    U-boat attack in DN 84.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
  U 455  1 ship 4,455 BRT sunk
      158  1 ship 1,276 BRT sunk
      69    1 ship 1,927 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
23.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- CF 61
U 123
- AF 77
U 162
- Op(EO)
U 553
- Op(BB)
 
67
 - BF 47
124
 - BC 76
172
 - CE 75
558
 - EB 37-Op
 
68
 - CE 68
125
 - DN 56
213
 - CB 45
564
 - DC 53
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - FC 21
214
 - AF 74
566
 - CA 93-Op
 
86
 - BF 44
128
 - ER 78
333
 - BE 92
569
 - BC 73
 
87
 - BE 92
129
 - BE 66
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - CC 17
 
89
 - BE 63
130
 - CC 71
373
 - BE 68
582
 - v. Lorient
 
94
 - BC 87
134
 - AF 75
404
 - CB 65
588
 - CB 43
 
96
 - BC 87
135
 - CA 86
406
 - BC 87
590
 - BC 76
 
98
 - CB 64
153
 - AF 77
408
 - AO 36
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(DL)
155
 - Op(EE)
432
 - CB 19
594
 - Op(DL)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
156
 - Op(EE)
455
 - CA 91
653
 - CA 67
 
107
 - DC 74
157
 - CF 37
502
 - Op(EC)
701
 - BE 91
 
108
 - CC 86
158
 - DD 88
504
 - DD 72
751
 - Op(ED)
 
109
 - CD 16
159
 - DG 24
506
 - DM 18
753
 - Op(DA)
116
 - BD 78
161
 - FC 11
507
 - DD 18      
 
  On Return Passage:  U 582 - 89 - 123 - 588 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 66.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a)  Situation reports:
    1) U 69:  fired on off "Fort de France" by an incoming freighter.  Fired a single miss.  U 69 and U 156 have again been reminded that their main task is to attack U.S. warships and steamers putting to sea.
    2) U 106:  single-ships traffic "San Antonio-Florida" Straits.  Lively air activity up to 50 miles off the coast.  Sea patrol along the coast.  21.5 DM 4157 "Faja de Oro" (6,067 BRT).  23.5 double miss at escorted whale-factory ship.  Proceeding to DA 93.
    3) U 162:  Unexplained miss at tanker in EE 9233.  Course
       
- 85 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      1000, 8 knots.  Am in contact.
    4) U 155 reported sinking a 3,000 BRT freighter in ED 9314, course SW.  Kingstown roads (St. Vincent) empty.
    5) U 593:  Slight traffic off Ambrose lightship, incoming in the evening, outgoing in the morning.  No traffic, no patrol at night.  19.5 double miss at a passenger freighter in CA 2874, coming in from the south.  Upper deck compartments crushed by D/C's.
    6) U 588 sank "Margot" (4,545 BRT) with her last air-driven torpedo and gunfire, course 120 deg. to Capetown.  Starting return passage.
    7) U 333 sighted in BF 7433 periscope of foreign S/M.
  b) None.
  c) U-boats were sighted in CA 5716 - CA 57 - DN 72.  By a/c in AM 3384.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 161 - 128 - 126 are being allocated as attack areas strips of equal width NNE of the coast between points FB 49 and FB 99.  To search for traffic close up to the coast.  Operation permitted up to 250 miles to seaward.  There are 4 Italian U-boats to the SE.
    2) U 404 is joining Group Pfadfinder and has been allocated squares CB 45 - 51 - 52 as operations area.
  c)  Group Hecht boats have been ordered to supply with fuel from U 116 from 1000/26/5 in CC 6555.  Boats are to leave the patrol line in time to ensure their arriving there then.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 106  1 ship 6,067 BRT sunk
        155  1 ship 3,000 BRT sunk
        588  1 ship 4,545 BRT sunk.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
24.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
 - CF 36
U 123
- AF 79
U 162
- BE 92-Op
U 553
- Op(CA)
 
67
 - BE 95
124
 - BC 79
172
 - DF 31
558
 - EB 23
 
68
 - CF 82
125
 - DN 38
213
 - Op(CB)
564
 - DC 38
 
69
 - ED 93-Op
126
 - FC 43
214
 - AM 32
566
 - Op(CA)
 
86
 - BF 49
128
 - FC 17
333
 - BF 73
569
 - BC 76
 
87
 - BE 83
129
 - BE 97
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - CB 63
 
89
 - BF 49
130
 - CC 49
373
 - BE 67
588
 - CB 48
 
94
 - CC 33
134
 - AM 32
404
 - CB 53
590
 - BC 79
     
 
- 86 -
 
     
     

 

     
     
 
 
 
 
96
 - BC 87
135
 - Op(DC)
406
 - CC 33
593
 - CA 29-Op
 
98
 - CB 63
153
 - AM 32
408
 - AN 31
594
 - DM 99
 
103
 - Op(DL)
155
 - BD 93-Op
432
 - Op(CB)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
106
 - DA 95-Op
156
 - Op(EE)
455
 - Op(CA)
701
 - BE 83
 
107
 - DN 33
157
 - CF 52
502
 - Op(EC)
751
 - Op(ED)
 
108
 - CD 76
158
 - DO 23
504
 - DC 96
753
 - Op(DA)
 
109
 - CD 31
159
 - DG 14
506
 - DM 28
582
 - v. Brest
 
116
 - CD 34
161
 - FB 63
507
 - DD 24
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 89 - 588 - 558 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 66.
  Sailed:  U 332 - La Pallice.
  Entered Port:  U 582 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 162 situation:  No traffic for 5 days in EE 30 and 60.  EE 7160 appears to be a focal point which ships reach at first light.  From there traffic fans out to Gibraltar, Freetown and to the SE.  Incoming ships are probably in the same area at dusk.  EO 18 seems a good place to pick up Guiana coastal traffic.  Starting return passage.
    2) U 432 sighted a freighter, course 1900, 9 knots in CB 5777.  Lost contact through a Diesel defect.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sightings in:  CA 79 - DB 4480 - EC 26.  Attack in DM 8158.
     SSS from American S.S. "Beatrice" (3,451 BRT) in EC 14.  Ship requests assistance from a/c as quickly as possible.  Torpedo report from Norwegian tanker "Haaken Hauan" (6,582 BRT) in DA 92.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) U 578 will join group Pfadfinder and operate E. of the disposition ordered as far as the longitude of CB 5333.
  c) - d) None.
       
V. Reports of Success:  None.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- 87 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
25.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- BF 49
U 123
- Bergen
U 162
- EF 45
U 507
 - DD 23
 
67
 - CF 32
124
 - CC 35
172
 - DF 28
553
 - Op(BB)
 
68
 - CE 76
125
 - DO 14
213
 - Op(CB)
558
 - DM 99
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - Op(FB)
214
 - AM 23
564
 - DD 15
 
86
 - BF 60
128
 - Op(FB)
332
 - BF 50
566
 - Op(CA)
 
87
 - BE 57
129
 - CF 31
333
 - BF 90
569
 - CC 35
 
89
 - BF 50
130
 - CC 52
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - Op(CB)
 
94
 - CC 39
134
 - AM 23
373
 - BE 58
588
 - CB 55
 
96
 - CC 38
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - Op(CB)
590
 - CC 38
 
98
 - CC 24
153
 - AM 25
406
 - CC 38
593
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(DL)
155
 - Op(EE)
408
 - AE 99
594
 - DM 94
 
106
 - Op(DA)
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - CB 54
653
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - DN 39
157
 - CF 72
455
 - Op(CA)
701
 - BE 81
 
108
 - CD 59
158
 - DD 16
502
 - Op(EC)
751
 - Op(ED)
 
109
 - BD 79
159
 - DF 38
504
 - DC 97
753
 - Op(DA)
 
116
 - CD 43
161
   Op(FB)
506
   DM 34
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 89 - 123 - 588 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 86 - 109 - 130.
  Sailed:  U 584 - Brest.
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  - . -
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 156 torpedoed an old U.S. destroyer off Fort de France. Foredeck torn away, destroyer got away into the inner harbor.  No net barrage observed.  It is possible to push forward to the main target on a bright night.
     Boat has been advised that ships in the main harbor may not be attacked.
    U 502 situation:  No traffic in the area EC 96 - ED 74 and 77.  22.5 neutral illuminated tanker in EC 9351.  Course for Aruba.  Sunk:  24.5 "Goncalves Dias" (4,996 BRT), armed, without markings, in EC 6148, course 3100.  No traffic via EC 37 to 66.  Am proceeding to Trinidad area.
    U 753:  Florida Straits:  Nothing on the E. side.  DM 2615 U-boat hunt with Asdic, a few D/C's.  Traffic is being held back, going over to convoys.  19.5 convoy in DM 2841.  False approach.
    Gulf:  DM 18 - DA 93 slight air activity.  In DM 1799 gunboat, air activity and an escorted steamer, course S. off New Orleans outward bound traffic in bunches by day, mainly W-bound. Medium air activity, slight sea patrol.  Sunk:  20.5 DL 6639 "George Calvert" (6,000 BRT), course 2300.  British schooner (326 BRT) blew up.  25.5 hit on tanker "Haaken Hauan".  Got away onto the beach, as boat was driven off by S/M chaser.  Intend to operate in DA 91.
    U 103:  Heavy spasmodic traffic DM 70-80.  Course 110-1300.  Sunk:  "Samuel Brown" (6,625 BRT).  24.5 "Hector" (1,828 BRT) DM 8421.  26.5 "Alco Carrier" (7,000 BRT) in EB 3121.
       
- 88 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) None.
  c)  U-boat sighting:  CA 54 - DB 3367 - DB 3360 - CA 8493.
     U-boat attack:  CA 51 - DA 9282 - ED 6645.
     Coast Guard vessel "General" reported action with U-boat in CA 3590.  SSS in EC 2172 from "Governor John Lind" (3,431 BRT).  English a/c reported U-boat in AN 13.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) U 159 and U 68 have been allocated the sea area off Colon as attack area, concentrating close up to the coast.  Boats will arrive there about 2-3 days before new moon.
    2) Group Hecht:
      The group will supply from U 116 from 26.5.  It is intended (contrary to original plans) to operate this group against convoys again after it has supplied, as the traffic situation in the area Newfoundland to Florida Straits is still not clear and chances of success are few in this area because of fog conditions and limited stocks of fuel.
      The best disposition for this group will be in the area AK 50-90, because, according to radio intelligence reports during the last 4 months, inward and outward bound convoys overlap here.
      On their way to this area the boats will proceed along the England-Halifax convoy route running S. of the great circle.  It might be possible to pick up an outward bound convoy here.  Group has received the following orders:  After supplying, move off, one boat at a time, and form a patrol line in this order from BC 7559 to CC 3372.  The last boat is to report by short signal 12 hours before reaching position.  When this report has been received boats will be ordered to move off and rake to the NE.
  c) Group Hecht, comprising U 590 - 406 - 94 - 124 - 569 - 96 and U 116 will be in CA 65 at 1000/26/5.  Boats will receive further details for supplying with fuel.
  d)  None.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 156  destroyer torpedoed
        502  1 ship 4,996 BRT
        753  2 ships 6,326 BRT
        753  1 ship 6,582 BRT torpedoed
        103  3 ships 15,453 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
 
 
- 89 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
26.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- BF 55
U 123
 - AN 31
U 162
- BF 27
U 507
- CC 77
 
67
 - CF 25
124
 - CC 65
172
 - DF 43
553
 - Op(CA)
 
68
 - CD 99
125
 - DO 22
213
 - Op(CB)
558
 - DN 84
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - Op(FB)
214
 - AM 15
564
 - DD 22
 
86
 - v. Brest
128
 - Op(FB)
332
 - BF 81
566
 - Op(CA)
 
87
 - BE 73
129
 - CF 24
333
 - BF 68
569
 - CC 65
 
89
 - v. Lorient
130
 - CC 63
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - CB 58-Op
 
94
 - CC 65
134
 - AM 42
373
 - BE 73
584
 - v. Lorient
 
96
 - CC 65
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - Op(CB)
588
 - CB 62
 
98
 - CC 34
153
 - AL 38
406
 - CC 65
590
 - CC 65
 
103
 - EB 31-Op
155
 - Op(BE)
408
 - AM 26
593
 - Op(CA)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
156
 - ED 62-Op
432
 - Op(CB)
594
 - Op(DL)
 
107
 - DN 49
157
 - CE 95
455
 - Op(CA)
653
 - Op(CB)
 
108
 - CE 17
158
 - DN 36
502
 - EC 93-Op
701
 - BE 71
 
109
 - BD 88
159
 - DF 28
504
 - DN 22
751
 - Op(ED)
 
116
 - CC 65
161
 - Op(FB)
506
 - DN 12
753
 - DA 94-Op
 
  On Return Passage:  U 214 - 123 - 89 - 588 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 333 - 108 - 86 - 109 - 130 - 66.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 333 - La Pallice;  U 86 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 578 reports sinking "Polyphemus" (6,269 BRT), course N. in CB 5731.  Cargo of wheat from Panama via Halifax to England.
     In CB 5768 lost sight of a ship, showing lights, in rain gusts.  Course NW.
    U 213 fired a 3 fan miss at a vessel type "Seastas" in CA 6645, course 3000, after chasing her for 8 hours.  Line of sight transmission failed.
    U 404 in reply to a query, reported no traffic, no fog.
    U 593 situation:  New Jersey coast very heavy spasmodic traffic by day along the 10 meter line, with strong air and slight sea escort.  25.5 CA 5165 5 misses at a bunch of tankers, due to a failure in the fire-control system.  Double hit on a tanker of 6,000 BRT.  Probably sunk.  Boat further reported at 2140 1 carrier and 2 destroyers in CA 5931, course W., medium speed.  Lost contact at 0142 owing to high enemy speed.  Main course about 2400, strong air escort.  Starting protracted return passage.
    U 594 situation:  22.5 lively air activity by sea planes.  No sea patrol.  EB 30, 20, 10 slight to medium traffic.  No patrol.  25.5 EB 37 one double and 4 single misses at a tanker (7,000 BRT), good data, at times minimum range.  Broke off gun action because of seaway.  26.5 EB 1311 2 single misses, one a tube-runner, at "Alcoa Cutter", range 300 meters.
       
- 90 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  b) None.
  c)  U-boat sightings:  DC 1220 - CA 54 - CA 38 - CA 56-10 - CA 3785 - EL 26 - CA 5189 - CA 54 - ED 66.
     SSS from unidentified ship in EC 24.
    American S.S. "Atena" (4,639 BRT) torpedoed in DL 25.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  New attack areas:  U 576 - CB 45 - 46 - 54.  U 404 and U 432 strips of equal breadth from CB 43 and 51 lower edge respectively up to the fog boundary.
  c)  Group Hecht supplying from U 116.
  d) On the orders of Naval War Staff (First Division) 2 more boats are being detached to the Norway area, because of enemy operations to be expected there.  Now that U 134 has requested to enter a dockyard to repair a/c bomb damage.
    U 214 and 408 remain available.  U 214 is a mine-laying boat and had been earmarked for a torpedo operation in the American area, use of SMA's not being permitted.  Both boats had been ordered to make for Narvik at high cruising speed.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 578  1 ship 6,269 BRT
    U 593  1 ship 6,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:
  Special operation U 202 and U 584:
            Boats have orders to land 4 or 5 agents each on the American coast.  See Appendix:  Orders for special operation.
            Duties of this group are:
    1) Sabotage attacks on targets of economic importance for the war.
    2) To stir up discontent and lower fighting resistance.
    3) To recruit fresh forces for these duties.
    4) To re-establish disconnected communications.
    5) To obtain information.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
23. May 1942
Reg. No. Most Secret     2090     A 2
       
Most Secret !
Copy No. ___ ___
O r d e r
 
 
- 91 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
for Special Operation "U 202, U 584".
       
1) The special operation is the landing, unnoticed, of agents.
2) For point at which agents are to be landed see appendix 1a for "U. . . . . . . .", 1b for "U. . . . . . . . ".
3) Time of landing is a new moon night in the middle of June.  The special operation is therefore to be carried out first.  Opportunities of attack on the way out are however to be taken.
4) "U 202" will land group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  "U 584" will land group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5) After completing the special operation boat is to move away 100 miles and report:  "Special operation completed," by a short signal in accordance with appendix 1a or 1b.
       
       
 
(signed):  JODL
 
Chief of Operations Department
 
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
 
Distribution:
B.d.U.
Copy
 No. 1
10th U-Flotilla
"
 Nos 3-4
Spare
"
 No. 5
Log
"
 No. 2
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
Annex to Reg. No. Most Secret     2090     A 2
 
MOST SECRET
 
Appendix 1a to B.d.U.'s Most Secret 2090 23.5.42
Appendix 1a to Order for Special Operation "U 202, U 584"
       
for "U. . . . . . . ."
       
1) Agents are to be landed at one of the following points:
  a) On the coast of New Jersey S. of Seaside Park at 390 54' N  740 05' W. Short signal:  UDZI.
  b) On the coast of Long Island off Easthampton at 400 57' N  720 09.5' W.  Short signal:  UDYH.
  c) On the coast of New Jersey off Peck Beach (near Ocean City) at 390 15' N  740 36' W.  Short signal:  UDWF.
2) 1) b) seems the best place, 1) c) the worst.
       
Distribution:
B.d.U.
Copy
 No. 1
10th U-Flotilla
"
 No. 2-3
Reserve
"
 No. 4
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote
Annex to Reg. No. Most Secret     2090     A 2
       
MOST SECRET
 
Appendix 1b to B.d.U.'s Most Secret 2090 23.5.42
Appendix 1a to Order for Special Operation "U 202, U 584"
 
 
- 92 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
for "U. . . . . . . ."
       
1)   Agents are to be landed at one of the following points:
  a) On the coast of S. Georgia off Jacksonville Beach at 300 14' N  810 22' W.  Short signal:  UDYH.
  b) On the coast of North Carolina off South Port at 330 54' N  780 05' W.  Short signal:  UDZI.
2)   1a appears to be better than 1b.
       
Distribution:
B.d.U.
Copy
 No. 1
10th U-Flotilla
"
 No. 2-3
Reserve
"
 No. 4
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
27.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 66
- BF 61
U 124
- CC 65
U 172
- DE 66
U 566
- Op(CA)
 
67
 - CF 19
125
 - DD 88
213
 - CA 66-Op
569
 - CC 65
 
68
 - DF 23
126
 - Op(FB)
332
 - BF 71
578
 - CB 54-Op
 
69
 - Op(ED)
128
 - Op(FB)
352
 - Op(CA)
584
 - BF 55
 
87
 - BF 71
129
 - CF 18
373
 - BE 71
588
 - CC 18
 
89
 - v. Brest
130
 - CD 43
404
 - Op(CB)
590
 - CC 65
 
94
 - CC 65
134
 - AL 92
406
 - CC 65
593
 - CA 59
 
96
 - CC 65
135
 - Op(DC)
432
 - Op(CB)
594
 - EB 13-Op
 
98
 - CD 16
153
 - AM 47
455
 - Op(CA)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
103
 - Op(DM)
155
 - Op(ED)
502
 - Op(ED)
701
 - BD 93
 
106
 - Op(DA)
156
 - Op(ED)
504
 - DN 15
751
 - Op(ED)
 
107
 - DN 79
157
 - CE 88
506
 - DC 89
753
 - Op(DA)
 
108
 - CB 24
158
 - DN 29
507
 - CC 84
   
 
109
 - BD 98
159
 - DF 45
553
 - Op(BB)
   
 
116
 - CC 65
161
 - Op(FB)
558
 - DN 67
   
 
123
 - AO 44
162
 - EF 32
564
 - CC 41
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 134 - 123 - 588 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 130 - 66 - 89 - 153.
  Sailed:  U 202 - Brest.
  Entered Port:  U 66 - Lorient;  U 89 - Brest.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 134 sighted a convoy from AL 96 on a W. course at low speed at 1111.  11-15 steamers.  Boat was ordered not to take action but to continue passage to W. France; U 153, who asked for the enemy's course at 1228, received the same order.THe convoy is very near square BE, where U-boats are forbidden to attack as Q ship convoys are suspected.
      U 506 sank loaded armed freighter "York Moor" (4,457 BRT) in DC 5844 by gunfire.  Course 340 deg., destined for New York.  U 135 has seen nothing since 21.5.  
      U 653 no traffic CA 7660 and 90.  Careful air patrol at night, patrol vessels with Asdic by day.
      U 455 CA 56 single
       
- 93 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      miss at vessel type "Strathallan".  27.5 CA 89 1 destroyer and 1 neutral seen. 
      U 751:  no traffic on the coast EC 78 to EC 91.  Little air activity.  ED 14-16 chased a zigzagging fast freighter in vain.  Starting return passage.
      U 155:  sank a loaded freighter of 5,000 BRT in EE 46.  Otherwise, no traffic.  Operating in the open sea area as compass is out of order.  So far 39,916 BRT.
      U 753:  Gulf worthwhile because of main tanker route.  Little seen from DA 9344 south.  Fast tanker traffic to the W.  All large ships have air escort.  Zig-zagging in legs of 15 nm.  25.5 only 2 small steamers seen in DA 9347.  26.5 single miss at tanker.
 

b)

 None.
  c) U-boat sightings:  CA 6933 - CA 9938 - DA 9837 - CA 2695 - CA 6654 - DN 76/81 - DM 2749.
    Attack in ED 69 left top - CA 29 right top - DA 94.
    SSS from U.S. freighter "Exhibitor" (6,736 BRT) in CA 6912.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b) 1) The following will occupy attack area as shown: U 161 square FB 64 - 65 - 66 and a strip to the south, concentrating on the coast.  U 128 square FC 40.  U 126 strip from FC 54 - 55 - 56 along the coast to the north as far as the new boundary, i.e. 400 miles along the Brazilian coast.
    2) Group Pfadfinder is being dissolved and distributed over the following attack areas:
      U 455 - 566 - 593 square CB 48 - 49 - 57 - 72 - 73 - 81.  
      U 352 and 135 strip from the right edge of the squares CA 85-88 and DC 21 to the coast.
      U 578 - 213 - 653 sectors of equal size E to S of New york.
      The disposition of Group Pfadfinder did not give any fresh information on the traffic situation.  It confirmed that traffic which proceeds to Cape Sable from the south comes from South African ports and from Colon, as does also traffic approaching New York on 300-3200.
      U 593's report of very heavy spasmodic traffic on the coast of New Jersey indicates that the Americans have apparently ended their temporary stoppage of traffic.  Because of fuel it is necessary to get the boats as quickly as possible into the busy area along the coast, as soon as moon conditions permit them to come close up (full moon 30.5).
 
 
- 94 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
      The new disposition of group Pfadfinder, now dissolved, has been made with an eye to the new traffic conditions.  Boats with little fuel or few torpedoes left in the area square CB 48, 49 etc, furthest to sea, where traffic bound for Halifax and New York crosses  2 boats to check the sea area off Hatteras and Nova Scotia, 3 boats in the sectors off New York, all 7 boats have been ordered to go close up to the coast as soon as the moon wanes.
      If necessary supply from U 459 in area CC is intended.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 506  1 ship 4,457 BRT
        155  1 ship 5,000 BRT
        753  1 ship 6,578 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
28.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- CE 66
U 125
 - DD 91
U 172
- DE 91
U 558
- DN 63
 
68
 - DF 19
126
 - Op(FC)
202
 - v. Lorient
564
 - CC 27
 
69
 - Op(ED)
128
 - Op(FC)
213
 - CB 71-Op
566
 - Op(CB)
 
87
 - BD 92
129
 - CE 65
332
 - BE 92
569
 - CC 65
 
94
 - CC 65
130
 - CD 26
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - CB 44
 
96
 - CC 65
134
 - BE 31
373
 - BD 69
584
 - BF 46
 
98
 - CD 23
135
 - CA 89-Op
404
 - Op(CB)
588
 - CC 52
 
103
 - Op(DL)
153
 - BE 23
406
 - CC 65
590
 - CC 65
 
106
 - Op(DA)
155
 - BE 46-Op
432
 - Op(CB)
593
 - CA 63
 
107
 - Op(DM)
156
 - Op(EE)
455
 - CA 96-Op
594
 - DM 74
 
108
 - CE 31
157
 - DG 12
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - CA 91-Op
 
109
 - BE 75
158
 - DN 16
504
 - DM 35
701
 - BD 91
 
116
 - CC 65
159
 - DE 69
506
 - DC 58
751
 - DO 98
 
123
 - AO 72
161
 - Op(EJ)
507
 - CD 34
753
 - DL 23
 
124
 - CC 65
162
 - DQ 93
553
 - Op(BB)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 134 - 153 - 123 - 753 - 593 - 588 - 751 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 130.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) U 135 double miss in CA 86 at 4,000 BRT freighter with 8 large motorboats on deck.  Changing courses from S to E.
    U 103 continued heavy traffic DM 70 and 80, spasmodically, partly in close bunches.  Little air and sea activity.  Sunk:  "New Jersey", 6,414 BRT in EB 2135, course 120 deg.
     U 106 sank:  DL 2168 "Carrabulle" 5,030 BRT, DL 3746 freighter of 5,000 BRT.
  b)  None.
       
- 95 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
  c) U-boat sighting:  CA 5925, CA 67, DC 5614, DM 87 (U 103).
    Torpedoed:  U.S. destroyer Tarbell in ED 66 early on 27.5.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  None.
  b)  U 404 has been given the Florida Straits as operations area as she still has sufficient fuel. Supply is intended.
  c)  None.
  d)   U 214 (type VIId boat), on her way to Narvik, has been ordered to turn back at once and go to W. France.  To replace her and bring the number of boats in the Northern Waters area up to strength, 3 type VIIc boats sailing from home ports will have to be sent to the Northern area.  The first will be U 457, leaving Kiel on 30.5.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 103  1 ship 6,414 BRT
        106  2 ships 10,030 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
29.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
 - CE 91
U 125
- DD 66
U 172
- DE 68
U 553
- Op(CA)
 
68
 - DF 41
126
 - Op(FC)
202
 - BF 50
558
 - DO 15
 
69
 - Op(ED)
128
 - Op(FC)
213
 - Op(CA)
564
 - CC 34
 
87
 - BD 83
129
 - CE 83
214
 - AL 38
566
 - Op(CB)
 
94
 - CC 65
130
 - BC 99
332
 - BE 97
569
 - CC 65
 
96
 - CC 65
134
 - BE 63
352
 - Op(CA)
578
 - Op(CA)
 
98
 - BD 78
135
 - Op(DC)
373
 - BD 67
584
 - BF 44
 
103
 - Op(DL)
153
 - BF 50
404
 - Op(CB)
588
 - CC 39
 
106
 - Op(DA)
155
 - Op(EE)
406
 - CC 65
590
 - CC 65
 
107
 - Op(DM)
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - Op(CB)
593
 - CB 46
 
108
 - BE 75
157
 - DF 36
455
 - Op(CB)
594
 - Op(DL)
 
109
 - BE 82
158
 - DN 17
502
 - Op(ED)
653
 - Op(CA)
 
116
 - CC 65
159
 - DE 83
504
 - DM 29
701
 - BD 82
 
123
 - v. Kiel
161
 - Op(FC)
506
 - DC 65
751
 - DP 71
 
124
 - CC 65
162
 - DR 44
507
 - BD 79
753
 - DL 36
 
  On Return Passage:  U 593 - 753 - 588 - 103 - 751 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 134 - 153 - 123.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  U 123 - Kiel.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 109 reported convoy in BE 8371, course S.  Moved off, in accordance with orders.  No convoy operation.
    2) U 172 sank "Athelknight" (8,940 BRT) on 27.5 DE 9654, course 2600.
       
- 96 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
    3) U 156 situation:  Off Martinique outer harbor 2 flying boats and destroyers day and night.  Cloudless moon.  A/c bombs even at night, cracks in main ballast tanks 1 and 3 and fuel tanks.  Listening set and revolving directional hydrophones unserviceable.  During 7 days in the tropics submerged for 121 hours.
      Sunk:  ED 6483 freighter (5,000 BRT), 1050.
    4) U 107:  Center of Florida Straits no traffic, no sea patrol.  Strong air activity.  No traffic in Santeran Channel, small coastal steamers along the coast in the Bahama Channel.  28.5 DN 7686 sank freighter (5,000 BRT), course 300.
    5) U 558 situation:  Sightings:  19.5 DN 7693, ship 600.  21.5 EB 3124, 3100.  22.5 EB 2625, 3000.  23.5 EB 3944 300.  24.5 EC 1722, 2100.  25.5 EC 1473, 3200.  26.5 EC 2525, 1000.
      Sunk:  21.5 EB 3111 "Troisdoc" (1,925 BRT).  25.5 EC 1471 "Beatrice" (3,675 BRT), 290 deg.  27.5 EC 2574 freighter (6,000 BRT), 290 deg.
      Torpedoed:  23.5 EB 3855 "Boycot Thomson" (7601 BRT).  No patrol in Windward, Mona.  Medium air activity.
  b) None.
  c) Sightings:  EB 3864, DB 6362, EB 3769, CA 8747, BB 6491, DC 37, ED 27, DM 98, DC 1225, DB 61, BB 64.
    A/c attack on U-boat:  in DC 12, AC 6665, BF 4191, BF 4811.
  d) None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) After U 569's report (of arrival in position at 1400/30/5), Group Hecht received orders to leave the patrol line at 1600/30/5, course 500, day's run 120 miles.
    2) U 172 to make for Mona Passage.  Operation in DM 70 and 80.
    3) U 126, 128, 161.  As these boats have so far reported no traffic, they have been ordered to move off in a NW direction, making legs around a main course parallel to the Brazilian coast, in an attacking line 400 miles wide, U126 outside, 128 in the center and 161 inside.
    4) U 107 to DM 70-80.
    5) U 404 Florida Straits.
  c)  U 116 reports supply has been completed in a wind up to force 5 and a heavy swell.  Total delivered:  215 cbm, provisions for 14 weeks.
  d)  None.
 
 
- 97 -
     
     

 

     
     
 
V. Reports of Success:
    U 172  1 ship 8940 BRT
        558  3 ships 11,376 BRT
        558  1 ship 7,061 torpedoed
        107  1 ship 5,000 BRT
        156  1 ship 5,000 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
30.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- CE 54
U 124
- CC 65
U 161
- Op(FB)
U 504
- DM 19
 
68
 - DE 84
125
 - DE 41
162
 - DF 86
506
 - DD 17
 
69
 - Op(ED)
126
 - Op(FC)
172
 - DQ 44
507
 - BD 92
 
87
 - BD 81
128
 - Op(FC)
202
 - BF 49
553
 - Op(CA)
 
94
 - CC 65
129
 - CE 76
213
 - Op(CA)
558
 - DC 76
 
96
 - CC 65
130
 - BD 84
214
 - AL 69
564
 - CD 94
 
98
 - BD 84
134
 - BF 45
332
 - BE 79
566
 - Op(CB)
 
103
 - DM 98
135
 - Op(DC)
352
 - Op(CA)
569
 - CC 65
 
106
 - Op(DA)
153
 - BF 64
373
 - BD 57
578
 - Op(CA)
 
107
 - Op DM
155
 - Op(EE)
404
 - CA 69
584
 - BE 65
 
108
 - BE 85
156
 - Op(EE)
406
 - CC 65
588
 - CD 21
 
109
 - BE 92
157
 - DF 29
432
 - Op CA
590
 - CC 65
 
116
 - CC 65
158
 - DM 37
455
 - Op(CB)
593
 - CB
 
   
159
 - DE 87
502
 - Op(ED)
594
 - Op (DL)
 
   
   
   
653
 - Op(CA)
 
   
   
   
701
 - BD 73
                   
751
 - DF 45
                   
753
 - DM 24
 
  On Return Passage:  U 753 - 593 - 588 - 103 - 751 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 130 - 134 - 153.
  Sailed:  U 166 - Kiel.
  Entered Port:  U 153 - Lorient.
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 155 sank "Bagdad" 2,161 BRT, course south.
    2) U 455 CB 7,377 double miss, CB 4797 single miss at fast tanker, 3000.
    3) U 404 sank "Alcoa Skipper" 5,491 BRT, 3300 on 30.5 in CB 4480.
    4) U 653 no traffic in CA 19, 67, 59, 58.  Air activity day and night.
    5) U 126:  No opportunity to fire at an escorted tanker in FC, course SE.
    6) U 506 sank with last ammunition:  "Fred W. Green" 2,292 BRT, course 1250, from New York to Freetown.
  b)  None.
  c)  U-boat sighting:  DM 26, CA 2870, DB 35, DM 87.
     U-boat attack:  CB 4480.
     English a/c over a submarine in AM 1687 (not a U-boat).
  d)  None.
       
- 98 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
IV. Current Operations:
  a) None.
  b) 1) Group Hecht will not leave the patrol line until 2400 as U 96 has a defect in her Diesel.
    2) U 157 approaching DN 84.
  c) 1) U 558 to supply in CD, E. third, between 10 and 15.6.
    2) U 69 freedom of action.  No longer bound by Martinique operation.
    3) Note:  Brazilian air and naval forces may attack U-boats.  Be prepared for this.
    4) U 352 has not reported again, though called up several times.  Last report 9.5.  She must be taken as lost off the American coast.
       
V. Reports of Success:
    U 155 1 ship 2,161 BRT
      404 1 ship 5,491 BRT
      506  1 ship 2,292 BRT.
       
VI. General:  None.
       
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       
31.May 1942.
 
 
 
I.
U 67
- CE 48
U 128
- Op(FB)
U 213
- Op(CA)
U 569
- Op(CA)
 
68
 - DE 78
129
 - CD 99
214
 - AL 99
578
 - Op(CA)
 
69
 - Op(ED)
130
 - BD 94
332
 - CF 12
584
 - BE 56
 
87
 - BD 72
134
 - BF 50
373
 - BD 48
588
 - BD 77
 
94
 - Op(CA)
135
 - Op(DC)
404
 - CA 95
590
 - Op(CA)
 
96
 - Op(BC)
155
 - EE 33
406
 - Op(CA)
593
 - Op(CB)
 
98
 - BD 91
156
 - Op(EE)
432
 - Op(CB)
594
 - Op(DL)
 
103
 - DN 77
157
 - DF 12
455
 - CB 58
653
 - Op(CA)
 
106
 - Op(DA)
158
 - DM 27
502
 - Op(ED)
701
 - BD 71
 
107
 - Op(DM)
159
 - DP 32
504
 - DM 11
751
 - DP 27
 
108
 - BF 50
161
 - Op(FB)
506
 - DD 55
753
 - DM 32
 
109
 - BF 71
162
 - DF 68
507
 - BE 73
   
 
116
 - CD 29
166
 - AO
553
 - Op(CA)
   
 
124
 - Op(CA)
172
 - DP 67
558
 - DO 58
   
 
125
 - DE 53
202
   BF 47
564
 - BC 96
   
 
126
 - Op(FC)
   
566
 - Op(CB)
   
 
  On Return Passage:  U 753 - 593 - 588 - 103 - 751 - 558 - 162 - 506 - 125 - 564 - 507 - 98 - 108 - 109 - 130 - 134 - 153 - 455 - 116.
  Sailed:  - . -
  Entered Port:  - . -
       
II. Air Reconnaissance:  None.
       
III. Reports on the Enemy:
  a) 1) U 751  31.5 DP 24, fired a triple miss at a freighter.  Course 3300.  1 shot a surface-runner, 1
       
- 99 -
 
 
     

 

     
     
 
      gyro failure.
    2) U 213:  Forced by flying boat to submerge in CA 6670.  According to hydrophone bearing 2 steamers, courses 300 and 1000.
    3) U 504 sighted:  20.5 DD 6540 fast freighter 3400.  26.5 DN 7960 freighter with strong air escort, 1200.  31.5 DL 6825 convoy, 2 funneled passenger steamer, 2 freighters, 3 destroyers, course 3200, 18 knots.
      Sunk:  29.5 EB 2120 "Allister" 1,597 BRT, 2700.  Intention:  To operate against traffic Yucatan-Tampico.  Orders:  To operate against Yucatan-New Orleans traffic, if moon is favorable off the mouth of the Mississippi.
    4) U 553 situation:  22-25.5 constant fog off Nova Scotia.  26.5-1.6 in BA 9356-9643.  Many corvettes, patrol vessels.  Fishing, many a/c, no freighter traffic.  Intention:  CB 14 and 17.
  b) None.
  c)  U-boat sightings:  EB 64, CA 28, DM 89, DB 8816, CA 6375, CA 6284, EB 6649, EB 8365, DL 9336, BF 1842.
  d)  None.
       
IV. Current Operations:
  a)  Convoy No. 24:  U 590 sighted at 0420 convoy in BC 8257, course W., slow speed.  Boat was depth-charged and lost contact.  Bright moonlight night, rough sea.
  b) - c) None.
  d) U 67, U 125 will rendezvous in CD 8593 on 2.6 to transship an officer.
       
V. Reports of Success:  
    U 504  1 ship 1,597 BRT.
       
       
       
                                                                   (signed):  Kessler
                                                                           for Godt
                                                           Chief of Operations Department for B.d.U.
       
       
       
       
       
 
 
- 100 -